Despite not finishing in first place, the Russellville Red Wings still remain positive after their play in the Cal Ripken 10-year-old World Series this past week.

The Red Wings soared past their first two opponents, which included wins of 14-4 over Sikeston, Mo., and 14-2 over Aston Valley, Pa., and squeaked past Okeeheelee, Fla., 7-6 to advance to the finals of the winner's bracket.

However, Russellville suffered two straight shutout losses, ending the Red Wings' run in the World Series.

Russellville coach Danny Hipps said the finish is nothing to be ashamed of, though.

"To finish third in the World Series is nothing to be disappointed about," Hipps said. "There are eight teams that made it to the World Series that would be tickled to death to be where we are.

"It's (finishing in the top three) is a great feeling. I couldn't be any more excited. We started off strong and kind of got down at the end and didn't end on a strong note. But there were a lot of teams that didn't get to where we did."

When playing in such a large event like a World Series, getting on a hot streak and staying there is often a big plus. That's something Hipps said hurt the Red Wings. After its 7-6 win over Okeeheelee last Sunday, Russellville did not play another game until Wednesday night, when the Red Wings suffered their first loss of the tournament.

"We had a little over three days off from when we played (last) Sunday to (last) Wednesday night," Hipps said. "Momentum is a big factor in tournaments like these.

"The boys rode momentum from one game to the next. That and confidence is a lot of it. With such a long period of time off, it was hard to get going again."

But while it lasted, what the team had going for it was exciting for Hipps and the Red Wing players. Capturing a top-three finish in the World Series helped capped what Hipps said was a great summer.

"It was a great ending to the summer," Hipps said. "The boys played a lot of ball, and to finish where we did and represent the community well is a great ending. We've been together for eight months working and practicing. To end on the note we did, I couldn't ask for a better ending."

Other than just being excited about how his team finished, Hipps said the support from the community was one of the best things he got out of the tournament.

"One of the biggest positives I saw is how well the community pulled together to host this," Hipps said. "Everywhere I go, I still hear people talking about how great the tournament went and how successful it was.

"It was a lot of work putting it on When you can pull something like this off and play well and represent the community well, I think it's a great feeling."

Showcasing the talent of the Red Wing players is something Hipps said helped the Russellville team represent the community in a good way.

"A lot of times people think 10-year-old baseball is not all that great and a slow-paced game," Hipps said. "These boys can play, though. It's just an honor to coach them and for them to show what they've got. They enjoyed the opportunity to show their skills to the community and let everyone see how well they can play."